Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he prays every day for an election victory.

In a post-budget address to Liberal National Party members and supporters in Brisbane on Tuesday, Mr Abbott repeated his key lines of attack on the Gillard government’s economic strategy, but also revealed his impatience waiting for the September 14 election showdown.

‘‘A government that began with so much promise late in 2007 is almost collapsing in embarrassment now,’’ he told the 400 audience members at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, whose Coalition is way ahead in federal polls, admits victory in September is on his mind. Photo: Andrew Meares

‘‘In 116 days it will change. 116 days, that’s all we’ve got left. I know you’re impatient, I’m certainly impatient, and frankly we should be impatient to build the better Australia we can be.

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‘‘I thank God every day for the privilege of leading this great party and I pray to God every day that my colleagues and I can give this great country the better government that it deserves,’’ he said.

Mr Abbott earlier admitted he has thought about the victory speech he'd give if he wins the September election.

In a radio interview on the Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday morning, Mr Abbott was asked "have you thought about your victory speech if you were to win?"

"The truth is yes," Mr Abbott replied.

Mr Abbott later played down his radio comment.

He told reporters in Bundamba in Queensland on Tuesday: "I've thought about a defeat speech as well."

He said with 116 days to go, ''the next election could go either way''.

Mr Abbott, who polls suggest will win the election convincingly, has insisted repeatedly that he is taking nothing for granted and that Labor could win.

"I have always said that winning a national election from opposition is like climbing Mount Everest," Mr Abbott said in Victoria earlier this month.

"I take nothing for granted," he said.

But the Opposition Leader has let his guard slip several times recently.

The day after his budget-in-reply speech last week, Mr Abbott reportedly told a business lunch in Sydney: "I look forward to seeing you in a new capacity in the not-too-distant future."

During the Pollie Pedal last month, Mr Abbott was asked whether he would continue doing the charity event if he became prime minister. He replied that he was not ''preempting the outcome of the election'' but he had told Ara Cresswell, the chief executive of Carers Australia, "it would be good if they had the chance to chew the ear of a prime minister... next year".

The Opposition Leader has contended with hubris within his own office.

In late April, Mr Abbott was forced to demote his director of policy, Mark Roberts, after the top-level staffer threatened to use his position in a future Abbott government to ensure a cut in funding to an indigenous education body.

Journalist and Sky News commentator Peter Van Onselen alleged that an "intoxicated" Dr Roberts had approached himself and Andrew Penfold, head of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, at a Qantas-Emirates function in Sydney.

Mr Van Onselen claimed that during the ensuing conversation, the adviser told Mr Penfold that his organisation's public funding would have its "throat" cut under an Abbott Coalition government.

273 comments

I cannot help you - perhaps thinking of a half decent policy and ensuring you have a clear message for the electorate is all you need?

Love God.

Commenter

David

Location

Sunbury

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:21PM

Strewth, if you created the world in 7 days, surely you could get Julia out the Lodge in 116?

Commenter

SteveH.

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:27PM

Dear Lord, i recieved your memo. Unfortunately the fiery pit is filled with sinners at the moment and with more expected from ICAC shortly, alas there simply is no room for Tony at the moment.

Regards,

Methusalah

Commenter

5612

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:29PM

hahaha SteveH.

Too funny. Another lost individual who has an allergy of strong economy and high standards of living.

News Flash SteveH - Have a look at the polling question half way up the page. 50% more contributors than your Murdoch Poll (thus far) and, a very resounding annihilation of your beloved AbbottHow frightening is it for you when you see before your eyes, how different REALITY is to the world Alan Jones and Hadley try to paint for you???

Commenter

TommyP

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:36PM

lol,

He doesn't pray for world peace, or to heal the sick, or to feed the hungry, no he only prays for himself.

Commenter

sarajane

Location

melbourne

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:44PM

TommyP, I'll let you in on a little secret, I really don't care that much which ever way it goes.

Commenter

SteveH.

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:48PM

TommyP, actually mate considering this is a left wing rag the fact that 45 % of readers still think TA will win should have you very worried.

Commenter

mh

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

May 21, 2013, 3:50PM

sarajane do you pray daily for world peace, ending hunger or healing? If not, you really shouldn't be casting stones from your glass house. If you do, then your comments certainly aren't quite peace loving are they.